scratches; scratched; scratching
1
a
: to rub your skin with something sharp (such as your fingernails) especially in order to stop an itch
Will you scratch my back for me?
Scratching the itch only makes it worse.
The dog scratched its ear.
—sometimes used figurativelyMaybe it's time to scratch the/that itch to travel I've had since I was a kid. [=maybe it's time to satisfy the urge I've had to travel]
You shouldn't scratch. It'll just make your itch worse.
b
: to make a shallow and narrow cut in (your skin) with something sharp (such as fingernails, claws, etc.)
The cat scratched me.
Thorns scratched our legs as we climbed through the briars.
Careful, the cat will scratch.
c
: to rub a surface or object with something sharp or rough in a way that produces a harsh sound
The dog was scratching at the door.
2
a
: to make a line or mark in the surface of (something) by rubbing or cutting it with something rough or sharp
Be careful not to scratch the table.
Someone scratched the paint on my car.
b
: to make (something, such as a line or letters) in the surface of something by using a stick, a sharp tool, etc.
The little boy scratched lines in the dirt with a stick.
They scratched their initials in the old bridge.
c
: to write (something) in a quick and untidy way
She scratched a note to herself on a napkin.
3
informal
a
: to decide not to do or continue with (something)
We had to scratch our picnic plans because of the weather.
We should go to the movies tonight. No, scratch [=forget] that. Let's rent a DVD instead.
b
: to remove (someone) from the list of players who will be playing in a game
She was scratched from the starting lineup.
plural scratches
1
a
: a line or mark in the surface of something that is caused by something rough or sharp rubbing against it
There's a scratch in the paint on the new car!
The table is an antique but it doesn't have any dents or scratches.
b
: a shallow and narrow cut in the skin that is caused by something sharp
I got a scratch on my leg when I climbed the fence.
He escaped the fire without a scratch. [=without getting hurt; without any injuries]
2
: the sound made when something sharp rubs against a surface or object
The only sound in the room during the test was the scratch of pencils on paper.
3
US slang
: money
We don't have the scratch to buy a new car.
always used before a noun
1
of a golfer
: having no handicap
a scratch golfer [=an excellent golfer whose score is usually close to par]
2
chiefly British
: put together quickly and without enough planning or thought
a scratch team
Cite this Entry
“Scratch.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/scratch. Accessed 16 Apr. 2026.
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